Promulgated in February 1999, the "88 Law" – soon nicknamed the
"gagging law" in dissident circles – weighs like the Sword of
Damocles over any person who "collaborates, by any means whatsoever,
with radio or television programmes, magazines or any other foreign media"
or "provides information" considered likely to serve US policy. The
law provides for very heavy sentences: up to 20 years' imprisonment,
confiscation of all personal belongings and fines up to 100,000 pesos (close to
4,800 dollars, while the average Cuban salary is 250 pesos or 12 dollars per
month). This law, that no court has taken advantage of as yet, also provides for
punishment for "the promotion, organisation or encouragement of, or the
participation in meetings or demonstrations.